Latest news with #WesternNewYork
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Man Is Harassed in High School for Being Gay. 20 Years Later, He Has a Shocking Interaction with His Bully (Exclusive)
Two decades after being bullied for being gay, he got a message that brought the past full circle and offered something close to healing Two decades after graduating from high school, Misha Brown received an unexpected message from someone he never thought he'd hear from again: his former bully. The message wasn't just an apology — it was a deeply personal admission. The man's 15-year-old son had just come out as gay, prompting the father to reflect on how he once treated others. For the 37-year-old influencer, who came out around the same age as his bully's son, the apology brought a wave of emotion. 'Honestly, when I first saw the message come through, I didn't know what to expect,' Brown tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'I couldn't think of a single reason as to why he'd reach out. But there it was, and I opened it.' In the message, the man admitted that his first thought after learning his son was gay was hoping the teen would be met with more kindness than he had shown Brown in the past. Growing up in a tiny town in Western New York, Brown was a bright and expressive boy who stood out from his peers. Obsessed with singing Whitney Houston songs and playing Polly Pockets, he was often bullied — an experience that tainted his adolescent life. 'Being bullied as a child truly shaped the entire experience of growing up. I overanalyzed every part of myself. How was I standing? Was I too loud? Was I safe in my surroundings?' Brown recalls. 'It made me perform, in a way, because the one space I excelled in was as a performer. Acceptance became the only currency I craved, and it made me put a lot of pressure on myself.' Over the years, Brown has built a multi-hyphenate career across theatre, social media, and podcasting. He is the host of the hit Wondery podcast, The Big Flop, and leverages a loyal following of nearly 4 million across platforms. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'As my platform has grown, I saw the impact that it can have. I want to be a bridge and try my best to bring people together,' Brown says. 'A lot of people have experienced bullying, feeling like they have been left behind, or don't love themselves, and I use my platform to let them know that they are not broken or alone.' Parents of queer youth often tell Brown that they share his content with their kids to show them they're strong, worthy, and deserving of a full, authentic life. His debut book, Be Your Own Bestie, out February 2026, explores Brown's journey and how he came to embrace every part of himself. While this isn't the first time someone has reached out to apologize or reconnect, this message – from this particular bully – hit differently. 'I've seen a lot of comments on my video where people don't think that I should accept his apology. That having gayness 'happen' to him is not a good enough penance. But that's not who I am. I cried when I read what he wrote to me,' Brown admits. 'I cried for me, the little boy who desperately cried in his mom's arms, begging to not be gay. I cried for his son, who gets to have a dad like mine, who loves their kid no matter what. And I cried because I am a chronically optimistic person (so annoying) and this is proof that there is goodness in people, even if they don't always show it.' In response, Brown told his former classmate that the apology was completely unexpected, but extremely appreciated. He acknowledged the courage it takes to admit past wrongs and let him know that the love he showed for his son helped heal some of the pain Brown had been carrying for years. 'I would say that makes up for something, and I told him as much, but, wow. What a cool feeling to get that moment. I guess people can change,' Brown said in his video, which has since amassed over 2.4 million views on TikTok. Through years of healing and introspection, Brown has learned to embrace who he is and block out the negativity. Sharing that growth publicly has opened doors he never expected — and, in its own way, led him to this powerful moment. 'I want for people to experience hope from this story…so many people have struggled through similar experiences, and maybe they can find a little healing of their own through this apology from my bully,' Brown tells PEOPLE. 'We can't change other people or will them to give us retribution, but we can control how we show up for ourselves. I'm grateful that I got this moment, but I'm more lucky that I am in a place to accept it.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Man Is Harassed in High School for Being Gay. 20 Years Later, He Has a Shocking Interaction with His Bully (Exclusive)
Two decades after being bullied for being gay, he got a message that brought the past full circle and offered something close to healing Two decades after graduating from high school, Misha Brown received an unexpected message from someone he never thought he'd hear from again: his former bully. The message wasn't just an apology — it was a deeply personal admission. The man's 15-year-old son had just come out as gay, prompting the father to reflect on how he once treated others. For the 37-year-old influencer, who came out around the same age as his bully's son, the apology brought a wave of emotion. 'Honestly, when I first saw the message come through, I didn't know what to expect,' Brown tells PEOPLE exclusively. 'I couldn't think of a single reason as to why he'd reach out. But there it was, and I opened it.' In the message, the man admitted that his first thought after learning his son was gay was hoping the teen would be met with more kindness than he had shown Brown in the past. Growing up in a tiny town in Western New York, Brown was a bright and expressive boy who stood out from his peers. Obsessed with singing Whitney Houston songs and playing Polly Pockets, he was often bullied — an experience that tainted his adolescent life. 'Being bullied as a child truly shaped the entire experience of growing up. I overanalyzed every part of myself. How was I standing? Was I too loud? Was I safe in my surroundings?' Brown recalls. 'It made me perform, in a way, because the one space I excelled in was as a performer. Acceptance became the only currency I craved, and it made me put a lot of pressure on myself.' Over the years, Brown has built a multi-hyphenate career across theatre, social media, and podcasting. He is the host of the hit Wondery podcast, The Big Flop, and leverages a loyal following of nearly 4 million across platforms. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'As my platform has grown, I saw the impact that it can have. I want to be a bridge and try my best to bring people together,' Brown says. 'A lot of people have experienced bullying, feeling like they have been left behind, or don't love themselves, and I use my platform to let them know that they are not broken or alone.' Parents of queer youth often tell Brown that they share his content with their kids to show them they're strong, worthy, and deserving of a full, authentic life. His debut book, Be Your Own Bestie, out February 2026, explores Brown's journey and how he came to embrace every part of himself. While this isn't the first time someone has reached out to apologize or reconnect, this message – from this particular bully – hit differently. 'I've seen a lot of comments on my video where people don't think that I should accept his apology. That having gayness 'happen' to him is not a good enough penance. But that's not who I am. I cried when I read what he wrote to me,' Brown admits. 'I cried for me, the little boy who desperately cried in his mom's arms, begging to not be gay. I cried for his son, who gets to have a dad like mine, who loves their kid no matter what. And I cried because I am a chronically optimistic person (so annoying) and this is proof that there is goodness in people, even if they don't always show it.' In response, Brown told his former classmate that the apology was completely unexpected, but extremely appreciated. He acknowledged the courage it takes to admit past wrongs and let him know that the love he showed for his son helped heal some of the pain Brown had been carrying for years. 'I would say that makes up for something, and I told him as much, but, wow. What a cool feeling to get that moment. I guess people can change,' Brown said in his video, which has since amassed over 2.4 million views on TikTok. Through years of healing and introspection, Brown has learned to embrace who he is and block out the negativity. Sharing that growth publicly has opened doors he never expected — and, in its own way, led him to this powerful moment. 'I want for people to experience hope from this story…so many people have struggled through similar experiences, and maybe they can find a little healing of their own through this apology from my bully,' Brown tells PEOPLE. 'We can't change other people or will them to give us retribution, but we can control how we show up for ourselves. I'm grateful that I got this moment, but I'm more lucky that I am in a place to accept it.' Read the original article on People
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott and Great Point Studios Founder Robert Halmi Reunite to Elevate Family-Friendly Entertainment
Former colleagues join forces to expand U.S.-based film production with a 20+ picture, multi-year deal producing original series and films domestically at Great Point Studios. NEW YORK, July 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Great American Media CEO Bill Abbott today announced a new partnership with Robert Halmi, an Emmy® and Golden Globe Award-winning producer, and his Great Point Studios. The collaboration is focused on developing high-quality, original movies rooted in family values and created for audiences seeking inspiring and meaningful entertainment. The agreement calls for nearly two-dozen films and original series to be produced by Great American Media at Great Point Studios Buffalo over the next two years. Through this partnership, the two industry veterans are building a new foundation for stateside storytelling. The initiative will also revitalize domestic film production by creating significant employment opportunities across casting, crew, and creative roles—specifically in Western New York. Abbott and Halmi, who previously helped define the modern family film genre, bring decades of production leadership to this renewed alliance and long-term partnership. Halmi is known for founding the Hallmark Channel, where Abbott served as President & CEO for 11 years prior to launching Great American Media in 2021. "This partnership is about raising the bar," said Abbott. "We are committed to producing content that not only entertains but uplifts. We want to produce these films right here in the U.S., with people who share our passion for authentic, values-driven storytelling." "I'm thrilled to reunite with Bill Abbott and support the incredible work he's doing at Great American Media," said Robert Halmi, Founder of Great Point Studios. "This partnership reflects our shared vision, and we're proud to welcome these productions to our campuses." Halmi is a legendary, multiple Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning producer credited with producing more than 400 films. Abbott is credited with popularizing the original Christmas movie genre, with more than 1,000 original holiday films over 15 years—the highest-rated and highest-volume output in the genre. Their shared legacy includes hundreds of acclaimed productions that have shaped family viewing habits for a generation. The first movie as part of the agreement is Great American Media's A Christmas Spark starring Mario Lopez, which completed production earlier this summer at Great Point Studios Buffalo, the company's recently opened, state-of-the-art production facility. Additional films will be announced soon. "It has been a joy to produce and star in A Christmas Spark, which is slated to premiere as part of the 5th Anniversary Edition of Great American Christmas this season," said Mario Lopez. "The talent, crew, and locations in Buffalo are top notch. A Christmas Spark is deeply personal to me—I witnessed firsthand the bravery of firefighters in my community during the recent LA wildfires. This film gave me a way to honor their heroism and tell a story that reflects their sacrifice." ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN MEDIA Great American Media is home to a family-friendly portfolio of brands including Great American Family, Great American Pure Flix, and Great American Faith & Living. As the flagship linear TV network, Great American Family features original Christmas movies, rom-coms, and classic series that celebrate faith, family, and country. Great American Pure Flix is a leading faith and family streaming service that inspires, uplifts, and entertains with content you can confidently stream with the entire family. Other platforms include Great American Faith & Living, the unscripted companion to Great American Family that celebrates faith, family, and country every day and every season; Great American Adventures; and Pure Flix TV, a FAST channel (free ad-supported streaming TV). Great American Media was established in June 2021 by Bill Abbott and a group of U.S.-based family offices. ABOUT GREAT POINT STUDIOSGreat Point Studios is a media-focused company specializing in film and television infrastructure. It was founded by Robert Halmi and Fehmi Zeko. Great Point Studios currently has locations in Yonkers, Atlanta, Buffalo, and Cardiff, Wales, with an additional location under construction in Newark, NJ. Prior to Great Point Studios, Robert Halmi was the founder of the Hallmark Channel and was President and CEO of Hallmark Entertainment. At Hallmark, Robert transformed the business from a small production company into one of the first modern studios, combining production, distribution, and broadcast under one roof. Under Halmi's leadership, Hallmark Entertainment produced over 2,000 hours of original content. He is an active member of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and serves on the board of the International Emmy Committee. Media Contacts:Thomas Graham or Debbie Davismedia@ (512) 537-1414Crosswind Media & Public Relations Daniela SapkarSapkar Public 646-644-4418 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Great American Media Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch: Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback nearly picks off Josh Allen
The Buffalo Bills held their first practice of training camp on Wednesday, as football is officially back in Western New York. Buffalo spent a ton of draft capital on the defense this offseason with the hope that the unit would improve in the biggest games, specifically against the Kansas City Chiefs. Buffalo was the only team to allow the Chiefs to score 30 points last season, which led to another playoff loss in the AFC Championship Game. First-round pick Max Hairston was the fastest player at the NFL Combine, and he is already making plays at the start of camp. During team drills, Josh Allen attempted a pass to KJ Hamler. Hairston trailed Hamler, flew in from the back side and got two hands on the pass, nearly picking it off. Should the rookie continue to look like this through the rest of the summer, Buffalo can feel good about having a legitimate No. 2 cornerback opposite Christian Benford. Follow The Sporting News on WhatsAppBills head coach Sean McDermott shares interesting opinion on Hard Knocks Bills head coach Sean McDermott gives positive update on James Cook contract dispute Buffalo Bills finally bring back helmet fans have been begging for Buffalo Bills rookie gives fans terrific injury update ahead of training camp Buffalo Bills sign veteran wide receiver ahead of training camp
Business Journals
17-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Two apartment buildings sell for combined $10.6 million
Apartments buildings in Amherst and Buffalo have new owners as a Pennsylvania-based management group pares its Western New York portfolio.
